Dupatta

A dupatta is a long rectangular, scarf-like cloth, worn over the shoulders by the women in India. Generally teemed with the traditional salwaar-kamez, dupatta stands as a symbol of modesty in the Indian society. It is known by various names like Odhni, Chunari, Chunni and even just Unni (called by people of the Gujarati community). Duppata is manufactured in different fabrics, like cotton, silk, georgette, chiffon, and so on. Normally, it is worn keeping in mind the color combination of the salwar-kameez it one is wearing.

There are ample ways you can don the dupatta. It is normally worn across the shoulders and women drape one end of it over their head, when in front of elders, as a sign of respect. Otherwise, when worn over a salwar suit you can wrap it around your neck like a muffler also. Another style of wearing dupatta is to simply let it hang from one side of the shoulder. In the current fashion, it is frequently draped over one shoulder, with the other end balanced in the crook of the other arm.

A duppata may be plain in a single hue, shaded, multi-hued or patterned. In some cases, when the dress is very simple, women glam it up by wearing a heavily embroidered dupatta over it. This is particularly done in case of a bridal dress. The dupatta of the bride is often very heavily embellished. In certain Indian states, like that of Bengal and Rajasthan, special type of tie and dye duppatas are available. The price ranges of these duppatas vary from 100 rupees to 1000 rupees.